- When: February 8, 2014
- Where: Tulalip Resort Casino – Tulalip, WA
- Who: Australian Gold, California Tan, Cosmedico Light Inc.,
- Designer Skin, Devoted Creations, Ergoline/JK North America, Ed Hardy
- Tanning, Hempz, JWOWW, Norvell Skin Solutions, Performance Brands Inc.,
- Snooki, SunLync, Suntan Supply, Sunwalls, Supre Tan, Swedish Beauty,
- TanShot, Universal Insurance, and Wolff System Technology Corp.
This year marked the first time Suntan Supply took the helm at the Northwest Tanning Expo, and 200 eager tanning salon professionals were pleased with the distribution company’s efforts.
Recently acquiring the rights to distribute Ergoline equipment on the West Coast, Suntan Supply also became the hosts of this year’s Northwest Tanning Expo. Emceed by Bobby Wagner (JK-Light), the event focused on education and training. Ten attendees received California Tan’s Doctorate of Sunless Certification, while ten completed Norvell University’s Sunless Certification program. The event’s schedule transitioned into vendor presentations followed by break-out sessions hosted by New Sunshine Hub, Norvell Skin Solutions, Performance Brands and Suntan Supply.
The Panel Discussion, which allowed attendees to ask questions of a group of industry veterans, was an Expo highlight. Moderated by Brynn Scarborough (JK North America), the panel included of Bill Gallagher (Suntan Supply), Marty Gallagher (Suntan Supply), Dan Mann Jr. (Tropical Tan), Lisa Parsons (Devoted Creations) and Mike Vincent (Sunbed Supply). “We had a wonderful discussion,” said Brynn, “with most of the attendees asking many in-depth questions about promoting their businesses. The panel offered some very creative and effective marketing methods and many people took notes.” Since the discussion ran at least 15 minutes over its scheduled time, the panelists answered additional questions on the exhibit floor.
Salon pro Fawn Halsey was one of 80 people who tanned in one of the three Ergoline units – the SUN ANGEL Duo 1400, Esprit 770 and Prestige 1400 – at the event. “I can’t stop thinking about the SUN ANGEL!” she exclaimed. “I got great color and it was a very relaxing experience.” The three staff members she brought to the show also benefitted from the lotion sales and customer service training, Fawn says, making their Expo experience worthwhile. She is the Manager of Bronze Bay Tanning Salon in Port Angeles, WA.
Michael Mann, CEO of Tropical Tan, says he enjoyed the venue, the speaker lineup and educational opportunities and the many fellow salon owners he met there. “As a salon owner,” he added, “it’s important for me to remember that I don’t know everything there is to know about the tanning business. This was a great way for me to learn from both the manufacturers and other salon owners and I would recommend this event to anyone looking to build their business!”
Thousands of dollars in prizes were awarded at the event. Grand prize winner Patti Davis took home a SunDash 332 Pro sunbed valued at $8,000. “I was so excited, I had to leave the show floor!” Patti said. “It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.” Patti plans to install the unit to replace an older one at her salon, Beaches Tanning in Mt. Vernon, WA.
The Northwest Tanning Expo was a refreshing change for Marty Gallagher, Suntan Supply Executive Vice-President/Co-Owner. “Since this was our first time as host,” he said, “most of the attendees were people we met for the first time. It was great to swap stories about how we got started in this industry with so many new faces.” Marty also says he’s pleased that Suntan Supply hosted an event that offered value to both veteran and newbie salon owners.
With its first Northwest Tanning Expo in the books, Team Suntan Supply is anticipating co-hosting the Las Vegas Tanning Expo with JK-North America. “We’re very excited to announce that this year’s show will be a weekend event held at the Hard Rock Hotel!” Marty exclaimed. “It’s a very hip and exciting venue that we know will be a huge hit with our industry.” The event is scheduled for June 21-22.
